Anyone can develop rosacea, but it is mostly found in middle-aged people with lighter skin. There is no known cause of rosacea and no cure as of yet, but it can be treated with a variety of topical ointments and medications as well as changes in diet and lifestyle. Learning what triggers rosacea, such as sun exposure, wind, exercise, and alcohol, can help you control your symptoms and keep your skin from getting worse.
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How to Know If You Have Rosacea
If you have rosacea, your skin will become red in the center part of your face or your forehead, cheeks, and chin. You may experience swelling and pain, and tiny blood vessels may be visible around your nose. Sometimes, the condition will make the skin on your nose thicker and the swelling will enlarge its size. However, this is very rare and you can still have rosacea even if your symptoms aren’t as severe. Rosacea can also lead to problems with your eyes, causing swelling, burning, irritation, and dryness. If you are middle-aged with fair skin and you have these symptoms, there’s a good chance that you have rosacea.
Essential Oils for Rosacea
Traditional doctors and dermatologists may prescribe topical gels and creams that can be applied to the skin to alleviate the symptoms of rosacea. They may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation in more serious cases. Natural remedies should be tested before seeking medical prescriptions as they may effectively treat the symptoms on their own. These include applying essential oils to the affected areas. Some of the best essential oils for this condition include:
1. Chamomile
Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant and is among the best oils for naturally treating rosacea. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective at minimizing symptoms of painful swelling and redness. It also contains anti-bacterial properties which help prevent the symptoms of rosacea from getting worse and keeps the skin clean. Your chamomile essential oil can also be put to other good uses beyond treating rosacea.
For example, it can be used to kill lice and mites, overcome depression, reduce anxiety and irritation, and remove scars. Look for German chamomile essential oil if your aim is to treat your rosacea because it has more anti-inflammatory properties than other varieties. However, all chamomile essential oils can be used effectively for this purpose.
To apply chamomile essential oil to your skin, add 2-3 drops to a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba, and apply to the skin with a cotton ball. Be sure to do a patch test to check for allergies before applying it to a larger area.
2. Rose
Rose essential oil is extracted from fresh roses through the process of steam distillation. This oil is great for treating rosacea because it contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties allow it to fight bacteria and treat swelling and redness that most rosacea sufferers experience. Rose oil is also an astringent, so applying it to your skin will not only help control your rosacea but it will also tone and lift your face.
Your rose oil can also be used to protect yourself from viruses, relieve depression, and reduce the appearance of scars. It should not be applied to your skin directly, and it is best to add a few drops to a carrier oil before applying to your face. This oil has a very pleasant fragrance, an additional benefit that makes using it more enjoyable.
3. Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn essential oil is extracted from the orange berries of the sea buckthorn shrub that grows along the coasts of Europe and Asia. This oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it a top choice for natural rosacea treatment. It also accelerates cellular regeneration and can heal damaged skin faster than other essential oils.
Sea buckthorn essential oil makes an all-around good treatment for people with problematic skin. It soothes and hydrates dry patches while balancing oily zones, preventing further outbreaks and evening out the texture.
It is also known to help eliminate and prevent wrinkles and cure severe sunburn damage. Beyond healing skin, sea buckthorn oil can prevent weight gain, liver damage, and dementia thanks to its abundance of A, C, and B vitamins. It is a strong oil and should be diluted with a carrier oil before application.
4. Thyme
Thyme essential oil is extracted from the thyme herb and has many different uses. It is particularly effective at treating rosacea because it contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This helps keep the skin from developing painful infections and wards off microbes that interfere with healing. It also moisturizes skin and helps to heal scars and prevent further inflammation.
Beyond treating rosacea, thyme essential oil can help treat anxiety when used for aromatherapy. Quelling anxiety can reduce stress and support your efforts to eliminate your symptoms of rosacea. It can also be used as a gentle energy stimulator for people struggling with fatigue.
In addition, thyme oil is known to help people eliminate toxins, treat low blood pressure, promote heart health, and increase concentration. This oil may cause irritation, so it’s always a good idea to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying it to your face.
5. Lavender
Lavender essential oil comes from the flowers of the lavender shrub and is one of the most popular essential oils on this list. Lavender oil is a strong antibiotic and antiseptic and is good for treating infected or inflamed skin, side effects that are commonly produced by rosacea. In addition, it can help regulate oily skin and hair and can be used as a facial toner.
It has also been noted for its ability to soothe and heal burns, proving its positive effects on damaged skin. It can also be used in the home to ward off fleas in the house, moths, and other household insects. One of lavender’s most well-known properties, however, is its ability to soothe anxiety. This essential oil can be inhaled and applied to your temples to help you relax and relieve stress.
Dried lavender flowers are also commonly consumed in teas, which can provide relaxation, reduce inflammation, and soothe bloating. When applied topically, lavender oil should always be used with a carrier oil, especially if you have sensitive skin.
6. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is extracted from tea tree leaves and is very commonly found in beauty products and household cleaners. This oil is great for treating rosacea because it contains antiseptic properties that keep infections at bay. It can be added to moisturizer and applied to the affected areas, or it can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying to the face.
Tea tree oil is very strong and may cause an allergic reaction or irritation when applied directly, and it should always be diluted first. It’s also a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin before applying it all over your face. You can even add a few drops to your skin cleanser for extra protection against bacteria.
Tea tree oil can also heal and soothe a flaky scalp when added to shampoo or mixed with other soothing ingredients such as aloe gel or coconut oil. Many people use tea tree oil to make natural cleaners, eliminate household mould, and even combat ringworm.
7. Helichrysum
Helichrysum essential oil is extracted from the yellow flowers of the helichrysum plant and has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes. Helichrysum essential oil is effective at treating the symptoms of rosacea because it contains antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also effective at treating wounds, infections, and other dermal outbreaks caused by acne. This oil should be diluted with a cream, cleanser, or carrier oil before applying to the face. In addition, applying helichrysum oil topically can slow down and prevent signs of ageing.
This oil has also been known to treat allergies, coughs, and colds and is good to keep around the house as a natural cold and flu remedy. It’s also great for treating constipation, liver diseases, bloating, and stomach aches. Many of these uses require taking diluted helichrysum essential oil orally, so it’s a good idea to consult with your physician before doing so.
8. Rosewood
Rosewood oil is extracted from the rosewood tree and is used as a natural remedy for rosacea and other skin problems. Rosewood essential oil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties which can prevent rosacea flare-ups from worsening. It is especially effective when rosacea becomes flaky and results in pus-filled bumps. Rosewood essential oil is also good at treating acne which can make the appearance of rosacea worse.
In addition, it helps treat and ward off wrinkles to keep the face looking youthful and healthy. Beyond treating skin ailments, rosewood oil is useful for curing headaches and eliminating body odors. Some even report that rosewood oil is good for boosting memory and keeping the mind sharp and focused. Rosewood essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond, before applying to the face.
9. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the Australian native eucalyptus tree and has become very popular in recent years. Eucalyptus essential oil contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties which makes it a great natural remedy for treating rosacea.
This oil can treat and heal wounds, cuts, and burns including any sensitive lesions on the face that result from acne and rosacea. In addition, eucalyptus oil offers a host of other benefits including fighting cavities, reducing fevers, regulating blood sugar, and eliminating lice. It can also be added to soaps and sprays for cleaning the home, and it can be added to bath products in small amounts.
It should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying it to the face and other parts of the body. Eucalyptus essential oil can be irritating and toxic when applied on its own or when too much is ingested.
10. Neroli
Neroli Essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the Neroli citrus fruit plant and has an array of benefits and applications. It is commonly used as an antidepressant in aromatherapy, and it also helps to keep colds at bay. Neroli essential oil treats rosacea with its antibacterial and disinfecting properties and keeps the skin clear of irritating bacteria and acne.
It has a pleasant scent and is often used in perfumes and colognes, so using it on the skin will also create a nice, soothing aroma. Topical application of neroli oil can help fade scars and other marks left behind by troubled skin. In addition, it moisturizes skin and helps it regulate the production of oil, another benefit that can keep acne from showing up.
Like all essential oils, you should dilute your Neroli essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your face. Not diluting essential oils can be dangerous and can lead to sensitization and future allergic reactions (2).